8th Pay Commission: Railway Union Demands Rs 52,600 Minimum Salary and Old Pension Scheme
A major update has come out regarding the 8th Pay Commission. On May 5, 2026, employee unions started sharing their ideas for salary hikes. They are talking to the panel about better pay, more allowances, and pension changes.
The Indian Railway Technical Supervisors Association (IRTSA) has given a detailed report. This report is called a memorandum. It asks for a better salary for technical staff. It also asks for more benefits and more money for their future.
Minimum Salary and Fitment Factor Demands
The 8th Pay Commission is looking at how much money employees should get. The railway union wants the lowest basic salary to be Rs 52,600. This would be a big jump from the current pay.
The union also wants to change the fitment factor. Usually, there is one formula for everyone. But the IRTSA says different jobs should have different pay scales. They have asked for five different fitment factors based on the level of the job.
| Job Level | Proposed Fitment Factor |
|---|---|
| Level 1 to 5 | 2.92 |
| Level 9 to 12 | 3.80 |
| Level 13 to 16 | 4.09 |
| Level 17 to 18 | 4.38 |
Demands for Annual Increments and Promotions
The railway union wants employees to get more money every year. They have asked for a 5% annual increment. This means the salary would go up by 5% each year. This helps employees keep up with rising prices.
They also want better rewards for promotions. When an employee gets a higher job, they should get more money. The union wants promotion benefits to be equal to two extra increments. This will help keep employees happy and hard-working.
Changes to DA and Pension Rules
The union has many ideas for Dearness Allowance (DA). DA is extra money given to help with the cost of living. They want a new system to calculate DA based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This new system should include modern costs that people pay today.
The union also wants the following changes for DA and Pensions:
- DA should be tax-free so employees can keep more money.
- 50% of the DA should be merged into the basic salary.
- The government should give higher allowances for different costs.
- The Old Pension Scheme (OPS) should be brought back for everyone.
The 8th Pay Commission will look at all these points. These demands are meant to give railway workers better financial security. The union believes these changes are necessary for the well-being of the staff.
Conclusion
The 8th Pay Commission update shows that railway unions are pushing for a high salary of Rs 52,600. They want different fitment factors and a 5% yearly raise. They also want the Old Pension Scheme to return. These changes will affect many workers across the country if the government accepts them.
FAQs
What is the minimum salary demanded by the railway union?
The railway union (IRTSA) has demanded a minimum basic salary of Rs 52,600 under the 8th Pay Commission.
What is the proposed annual increment rate?
The union has proposed a 5% annual increment for all employees.
What are the proposed fitment factors?
The union wants different factors for different levels. For example, Level 1-5 would have 2.92, while Level 17-18 would have 4.38.
What did the union say about the Old Pension Scheme?
The railway union has demanded the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for employees.
What changes are requested for Dearness Allowance (DA)?
The union wants a new CPI-based formula, tax-free DA, and the merging of 50% DA into the basic salary.